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One of a pair of shawls (Lamba Landy Fotsy)
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
A lamba is an untailored textile worn by all ages, classes, and genders across much of Madagascar. This is an example of a woman’s garment made after Queen Ranavalona II made Christianity the state religion of the Merina Kingdom. Soon after, all-white lamba became popular for both Sunday church and daily wear. Fotsy is white in the Malagasy language. Indicating its owner’s worldliness, the white-on-white patterns alluded to fashionable imported textiles with damask patterns.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineOne of a pair of shawls (Lamba Landy Fotsy), 1900s. Africa, East Africa, Madagascar. Silk (Bombyx mori and Borocera cajani); part 1: 74 x 211 cm (29 1/8 x 83 1/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Sundry Art - African Art Fund and Textile Fund, 2025.273.1
